Hi to all, my name is Matt Callan, also known as “Jokester” to my motor cycle club. I have an extensive history when it comes to working on autos. In 1964 I started in Pacifica Ca with a 1956 Mercury. Monterey flat-head, went to a 1958 Mercury; to a 1957 Chevy with a Grade Retard automatic trans. The trans. managed to get water into it; I replaced it with an aluminum 4 speed, 4 new Mags and tires, added bucket seats, and a floor consol. That was the start of me really getting my hands dirty with cars. After my 57 was stolen and stripped I took over my parents 1963 T-Bird payments. It wasn’t long before that trans. quit three times after rebuilding. I found another aluminum Chevy 4 speed for sale for $90.00, contacted the local speed shop, they ordered an aluminum bell housing from the 390 ford to the Chevy 4 speed. I replaced the ford auto trans, added the new bell housing and Chevy 4 speed, had a new drive line made with the Chevy yoke, put in a 1956 T-Bird brake and clutch peddle set, they fit the existing power brake tube. However, they never made a clutch set up for a 1963 T-Bird. So, I built one from a 1964 GMC truck hydraulic clutch set up. Had to use a ford clutch and a clutch disk from a fork lift, cut the hole in the consol, placed an after market chrome ring and rubber boot, and I was on the road burning up the tires.
Later in 1967 I purchased a like new 1956 Nomad and have totally gone through it twice, it is now time to totally go through it a third time, things are out dated on it.
In 1975 I went back to college and took Auto Body and Paint for my fun classes; there I learned to do body work and custom auto and bike painting.
I have a 1974 Chevy blazer that I purchased new in Hollister that I will be going through and a 1985 T-Bird that my Father gave me in 1998, like new with the four bolt spiral mags.
In Oct 2005, I retired with 38 years from the South Pacific Division of the U.S. ARMY Corps of Engineers, went back to work and will be retiring a second time this May 23, in two weeks. In between riding by Harley to runs and fishing; I will be working on these autos.

Thanks,
Matt

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